can i teach little kids piano?
I just passed my 8th grade AMEB piano exam with a B+ and am currently preparing for my AMusA diploma which I plan to take next year. I’m 14 but I really want a way to earn some money. Do you think I’m qualified enough to teach little kids piano, like maybe 5-8 year olds? Not to do piano grades or anything, just kids that want to learn for fun. Also what’s a good way to find kids to teach, because I’m only 14 and not many people would let a 14 year old teach their kid piano, so far the only kid who may want to learn is a 5 year old who is my mum’s friends daughter, but I don’t think she has a piano yet or she might want to go to a proper teacher.
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Hello there,
Congrats on passing your examination! I know you must have worked very hard and are very proud of yourself. There is a saying that “those who can’t do, teach.” well it can go the other way as well. “those who can’t teach, do.” So an individual who is able to do something well may not necessarily be a good teacher. They are two different skill sets. Now, being able to “do” is helpful, because you are able to demonstrate for your students and you have an understanding of the instrument. But you could be the most talented pianist in the whole world and a terrible teacher with no communication skills. Get my point?
With that, many parents who are wanting to enroll their children in piano lessons will probably want to set them up with someone with experience and credentials. But there may be some, who like you say, just want their kids to learn for fun, but they probably still want to know you at least know what you’re doing. What you need to do is make yourself a list of credentials and include things like, how many years you have studied, who you’ve studied with, your exam grades, any awards and achievements you’ve earned. Then, if you have any experience working with children, include that as well, babysitting, tutoring, volunteering, etc.
Then, network, network, network. People like your mom’s friend’s daughter are exactly the type of people you need. Just keep going around and mention it to everyone you see. Make up a flyer and make it really colorful and interesting – you are selling FUN, not structure, so capitalize on that. The most important thing is, you must be confident and sell yourself. If you doubt your abilities no one will hire you. And of course you must charge less than the going rate but I’m sure you already knew that.
And it surely wouldn’t hurt to do some research on curriculum and teaching methodology! Good luck!